Kids Camp Helps Cut Sheriff Calls

July 22, 1994|By Andrew Gottesman.

DuPage County — Officials descended upon a little piece of unincorporated Downers Grove Township on Thursday to tout a community-policing program and summer camp that they credit with reducing crime in the neighborhood.

The Hinsdale Lake Terrace apartment complex, near 91st Street and Illinois Highway 83, had been a constant nuisance for the sheriff's office. Some 12 percent of crime calls to the sheriff came from that area, officials said.

The biggest problem, residents told police, was unsupervised children. The solution, implemented in September, seems to be a law-enforcement presence and organized summer activities for children.

On Thursday, officials noted that there has been a decrease in calls to report crimes. Among those in attendance were State's Atty. James Ryan and Sheriff Richard Doria.

"We knew that traditional responses wouldn't work, never have," said Angela Zoloto, project director for the DuPage Prevention Partnership. "We produced activities for the youths that are more appealing than whatever gangs or drugs they had before."

The camp is run by a group of residents, Hinsdale Community House, local school officials, sheriff's police and the complex's management company. It is partly funded through county and federal grants.

The camp is divided into programs for older and younger children in grades 3rd through 8th. About 150 youths are expected to participate by summer's end, organizers said.

It has its headquarters in the Neighborhood Resource Center, which is staffed by sheriff's police. High school students serve as counselors.

Activities include arts and crafts, swimming, and a talent show. During the school year, organizers hope to begin tutoring sessions.

Nina Bailey, who has two children in the camp, said it's better than other day-care programs.

"These people know my children outside of here," she said, pointing at the center. "Because the sheriffs know the kids outside of camp, it's an incentive to behave."